5 Takeaways From Mexico-Bosnia-Heregovina Friendly

Photo Courtesy of the Official Seleccion Nacional de Mexico Facebook Page

On Tuesday night, Mexico played the third of their schedules four pre-World Cup friendlies as they took on Bosnia and Herzegovina in a game played at Soldier Field in Chicago. It would serve as the latest test for Mexico in the lead up to their first game in the 2014 World Cup when they open up against Cameroon on June 13. After 90 minutes, Bosnia would hand Miguel Herrera his first defeat as coach of the Mexican National Team by winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Izet Hajorvic.

It was a game which was dominated and controlled by Bosnia for the vast majority of the contest with Mexico’s best chances coming in the last 15 minutes after Bosnia had begun to shut it down. There are about 10-15 observations and takeaways from Mexico’s loss on Tuesday night. but these are five that jump out other all the ones drawn from the display on Tuesday night.

1. Lack of Chances Created

In the first two pre-2014 World Cup friendlies, Mexico have had some issues at times between linkage play the midfield and the forwards to be somewhat lacking and this has affected the number of chances created. Against Bosnia on Tuesday night, this issue was glorified just a bit more as Mexico failed to create any quality scoring chances from build-up play. The best chances they had in the game came from long ball passes and or set piece plays. The lack of chances created was even more apparent in the first half when Bosnia for most of the half and is something very concerning 10 days out from the game against Cameroon.

2. Two Horse Race at Goalkeeper

In the first two pre-World Cup friendly games from Mexico, two different individuals have been the starting goalkeeper. Against Israel it was Jesus Corona who had to leave the game after a knee to the head that left many holding their breathes as a result. Against Ecuador, the starting goalkeeper was Guillermo Ochoa. Against Bosnia on Tuesday night, the starting goalkeeper was Alfredo Talavera. While Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has stated that the fight for the starting goalkeeper spot is open and up for grabs, it appears the battle is down to two players. Alfredo Talavera did not not have real good game as in the first half, there were several crosses into the penalty area which he showed some apprehension and nerves when playing said crosses. While his overall play was not bad, it was not good enough to keep him in the discussion to be the starter.

3. Miguel Herrera Misguided

One of the things that has characterized Miguel Herrera as coach has been that he does not hold back in his post-game comments to the press. While it can be entertaining and refreshing, at times it has not always been something positive and a few times, has gotten him in trouble. After Tuesday’s game, the first thing that Herrera focused on, and focused on a bit too much was the fact that Bosnia had changed four starters from the teamsheet they handed in prior to the game. While it was unprofessional for Bosnia to have done this, for Miguel Herrera to have mainly focused on this in his post-game press conference was unnecessary and gives off the impression he is avoiding actually being self-critical of his team’s performance.

4. Lack Of Cohesive Play:

Mentioned earlier was the lack of scoring chances created by Mexico so far in their first three pre-World Cup friendlies. In conjunction with the lack of scoring chances created has been the lack of cohesive play being able to carry over from one game to the next. Whether it be because of experimentation with starting lineups, loss of a few players to injury, and or the scheduling of the friendlies, the lack of good, cohesive play has been missing for the most part from this team. This is something of worry for Mexico fans, at least it should be a worry.

5. Hector Herrera A Bright Spot

In a game which was largely not positive and left alot to be desired with regards to Mexico, it might seem to be that it is hard to point out something positive. One bright spot for Mexico was the play of midfielder Hector Herrera. Hector Herrera turned in a solid performance as the right sided midfielder and once again looks like a virtual lock to be the starter in that position when Mexico kick off against Cameroon on June 13.

Lucas Carreras is a contributing Mexican National Team and Liga MX writer for Stoppage Time Soccer. You can follow Lucas on Twitter by following him @maldini3fan